Hi,

We have a similar problem in our PTO. Our current pres. has been in office for many years. Nothing in the by-laws about this either. We have come upon many situations that we did not know what to do about because there was nothing in the by-laws about it. Anyway, I think I agree with everyone that seeking a re-election at this time would not be worthwhile. You may have to just let this one pass this year and bring this up again next year. Is there a reason that this pres. has been in so long? Our reason is because no one ever runs against her. We have a major problem with getting parents to attend and get involved. One reason is because of the current pres. Thank goodness someone else is running against her this year. We may see some changes. Just do your best to get involved and voice your opinion loud. This is suppose to be a team effort, not just the pres. making all the decisions. I wish you luck this year.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Should I ask for a re-vote??<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm going to side with Mighty Jo here, and say that asking for a re-vote would probably not be in your best interest. You may not like the way she does things, but absent the by-law restriction would you have cause to seek her removal from office? Yes, you are correct that she should not be eligible for the office, but you can win the battle and lose the war.

Instead, use the by-laws as your ally going forward.

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Do the by-laws contain a provision for regular review? Volunteer to chair that committee!
<LI>Absent a review provision, since it has already been acknowledged they are out of date, still volunteer to chair a review committee.
<LI>Do the by-laws call for a nominating committee? Get yourself on it, and show up with a copy of the by-laws.
<LI>Have you been using a nom-comm? If not, regardless of the by-laws, point out the advantages.
[/list]

I'm not sure it would be worth asking for a re-election for this year. I sure would try to get as involved as I could with things though. Try to get on different committees. Do you know any of the other officers? Is it possible they could lobby for some different ideas for this year? Also, do your bylaws mention a parlimentary authority (i.e. Roberts Rules of Order, etc..)? Rather than contesting the election, it might be easier to push for a change in meetings, so ideas will be voted on at least.

Of course, only you know what it is actually like and how much your PTO accomplishes. I 'd love to hear how things turn out.

Jo

Hi,

I'm a 2nd year mom involved in our PTO. at the beginning of the year I asked to see the bylaws and was told they were "very old and outdated". Then we proceeded with elections. The lady who was elected president has been so for 4-5 years and will try nothing new, shoots down new ideas, and decides everything!--no voting. I decided to go to the school office and ask for a copy of the bylaws. The bylaws state a 2 year max position. Should I ask for a re-vote??

2nd year mom